Hello, let me introduce myself first..
For the first 30 years of my life, everything was smooth and worry-free. I was my parents’ most beloved child, found my true love in college, and happily married him after graduation.
At work, I was my boss’s most valued employee. Whenever I was in charge of a project, colleagues would inevitably say, “Oh, then I’m totally at ease.” I was constantly named “Employee of the Year,” with generous bonuses every year.
Later, I started my own business. Within just three months, I had broken into the market and started making money. By the fifth month, I was earning twice my previous salary. Growth was steady month after month. Right when the business needed more hands, I serendipitously met an amazing partner, and the company reached a whole new level.
Really, it seemed like at every step, whatever I needed, a pair of hands would always place it right in front of me, just in time.
My Two Girls: Ellie & Mia
Meet Ellie, My Firstborn
In 2020, my husband and I decided to have a child. After trying for over a year, we finally got the news in 2021 that a little one was on the way. In 2022, we welcomed our first child, Ellie. She made me a mother.
She is utterly adorable—big eyes, rosy skin, chubby little hands. Every time I look at her, I can’t help but give her a kiss. She is pure joy, and I love her more each day.
But as a first-time mom, I faced unprecedented difficulties. The postpartum tearing wouldn’t heal, and the pain was excruciating. Clogged milk ducts made my breasts hard as rocks. The severe sleep deprivation… And what was even more crushing was that, with zero parenting experience, I was clueless when faced with her unexplained wailing, night terrors, refusal to nurse, constipation, diarrhea, fevers… I desperately searched online, longing for one accurate, truly useful answer!
It was during this time that I thought, once I make it through this “dark” path, I must leave a light on for other new moms.
And Then Came Mia
Ellie had just turned one when I got pregnant again. In 2024, we welcomed our second daughter, Mia.
Completely different from Ellie, Mia is a great eater and sleeper. Although she had her fussy moments in the first two months, starting almost from month three, she became super easygoing. She feeds on schedule, gradually sleeps through the night, loves her solid foods, and adapted quickly when I had to stop breastfeeding due to mastitis.
This made me realize just how vastly different babies can be! It made me even more determined to write about my experiences.
Why I Had to Start This Blog
The Catalyst: A Life Pivoted
After Mia was born, my business also began to decline sharply. I had no choice but to close it and become a full-time mom. My work no longer involves Excel and Word, but instead revolves around changing diapers, washing bottles, making baby food, and managing household chores…
This has been a monumental challenge for me. All my past achievements seem irrelevant now. Managing two young children has brought me a sense of frustration I’ve never known before.
The Daily Reality
They are always fighting over things. When one is in my arms, the other immediately demands to be held too. When I try to cook, Ellie wants me to read her a book. When I attempt to load the washing machine, Mia has a diaper blowout, and I must drop everything to change her…
By the time I finish all that, I see the cup of hot coffee on the table has gone cold again. And it’s not until evening that I remember, “Oh my goodness, the clothes are still in the hamper, unwashed!”
Of course, being a mom is filled with happiness, but that doesn’t negate how hard it is.
My Promise to You
Because I’ve walked this path myself, I won’t just tell you how joyful motherhood is, like many websites do. I want to share my real, unfiltered experiences so every new mom can find a “companion” here.
I want to tell you: you are not alone. What you’re going through, I’ve been there too. Your breakdowns, your helplessness, your moments of losing control—I’ve had them all. You don’t need to feel guilty. This is just a small, necessary stretch of the journey for every mom.
My Hope for This Space
I really want to share my parenting experiences—not just the warm, glowing moments, but to honestly document the pitfalls I’ve stumbled into, the tears I’ve shed, and the “survival wisdom” I’ve scraped together in utter exhaustion.
The Goal: A Mom’s Toolkit
I hope this blog becomes a “mom’s toolkit,” filled not with vague theories, but with:
- Practical Tips: Like how to quickly figure out why a baby is crying, tried-and-true methods for dealing with clogged ducts, or how to efficiently manage the daily grind with twins (or two under two) solo.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guides: Sharing the baby products I regret buying the most, and those “game-changer” parenting hacks. Letting you know which parenting anxieties you can let go of, and which principles are worth holding onto.
- A Community for Moms: I hope my stories connect me with more moms like you. We can cheer each other on in the comments, share our own tricks, turning the storms we face alone into a journey we walk together.
The Bigger Vision
My previous career taught me to analyze data, solve problems, and optimize processes. Now, I’m applying all those skills to this new “position” of Mom. I want to prove that a mom’s value is absolutely not confined to the home. The mindset, resilience, and creativity we built in our careers can shine just as brightly—perhaps even brighter—in this more complex, long-term “project” of raising humans, and can even be transformed into a force that helps others.
My hope is simple: that every mom who opens this blog can let out a sigh of relief and say, “So it’s not just me.” Then, she can find a bit of practical info, a dose of comforting solidarity, and return to her sweet, chaotic mom-life with a little more confidence and a little less weight on her shoulders.
This road? Let’s walk it together.
Re: *~*~*~*May PGAL check in*~*~*~*
Nothing much to report on the pg. I passed my 1 hr, and I'm into appts every two weeks now.
I'll admit Petra and I have been talking about being labor buddies for awhile... so I call Petra!
I'm thinking if you know someone in particular a little better maybe you two would like to be paired. I'm happy to match everyone else, or not.... no rules!!!!
Also, in terms of responsibilities... sesms like labor buddies keep us updated so the mommy in labor can just update one person.
Positive for HLA-B27, I'm a mutant
Testing - Me ok, gluten issue? DH - borderline count, low motility
4/28/11 IUI#1 = BFP!(5/25), EDD 2/2/12 - m/c 5w3d
7/3, 7/31, 9/25 - IUI#2-4=BFN
IVF#1 - 1 blast = BFP!! (12/30), EDD 9/9/12, confirmed c/p 4w2d
FET#1 3/2/12 - 2 blasts =BFP!! EDD 11/18/12, us#1 = twins! Confirmed m/c 5w6d
4/20-surprise BFP and another c/p 4w2d
FET#2 7/16/12 - 2 blasts = BFN
FET#3 8/20/12 - 1 blast - BFP!! Beta #1-2=177, 354
1st u/s 5w6d, one beautiful little HB
baby girl born 5/10/13
TTC#2 since 12/17/2014, Cycle 8
Repeat Testing...FSH=12, AMH=3.8, AFC=28.
IUI#5 5/10/15- c/p?
IVF#2 8/19/15 - cancelled due to cysts
IVF#2 take two 10/2015 - 5 blasts frozen
FET#4 12/11/2015 - BFN - 4 blasts remaining
FET#5 2/18/16 - BFP!!! Beta1-3, 126, 250, 745!!
Tons of love and ((hugs)) to my IF sister NMscubagirl
As far as labor buddies, I would happily be paired with any one of the May mamas. Just let me know!
Any updates or appointments coming up that you'd like to share?I will be 30 weeks this week and see my OB Wednesday. I've been pulled from work and my new goal is 32 weeks. Irritable uterus vs PTL. QOTW: IT'S MARCH!!! This means that we are about two months from meeting our LOs!!! So it's time to start thinking about labor buddies. There are traditions, but no hard or fast rules on this. So QOTW is how would you like to go about selecting labor buddies?!?!?!No preference!!
Source: weheartit.com via Captain on Pinterest
I have nothing to report on at the moment. Things are moving along, and I'm still bored out of my tree at home!
I'm not sure how labor buddies have been chosen in the past, so anyway is good for me. I'm also good to be paired with anyone, I haven't really gotten to know anyone all that well here.
First M/C - March 2006, pregnancy not known about.
BFP#1 03/17/12 DD 11/09/12 Missed MC 05/14/12 (No growth past 9wk1d) D&C 05/22/12
Removal of Ovarian Cyst 07/27/12
BFP#2 09/17/12 DD 05/29/13 STICK BABY STICK!
PgAL MARCH SIGGY CHALLENGE: PET SHAMING
I'll def take a labor buddy! Anyone is fine w me!
Hi ladies! I had an MFM appointment last Wednesday and everything looked good! Baby is BIG. The baby was transverse so it looked like progress was being made to get into the right position... well I had an OB visit with an ultrasound today and the baby flipped back to breech.
My OB scheduled an ultrasound in two weeks to check the position again, he said baby can still turn but the window is closing in! He said we won't discuss our "options" until we get closer to 36 weeks. So I will begin turning exercises today! And saying lots of prayers between now and then.
Oh and I had some serious pressure last night, he said to watch it because the last thing we need is my cervix to be 8cm dilated with a breech baby! Sorry, no fun news to report sadly this week, but none of it is horrible! Baby is healthy and I'm still here so that is always excellent news.
As far as labor bubbies, maybe for those who don't really have a preference or know a lot of people well, someone can throw everyone's name into a hat and pair them off? That way we can get to know someone. I know doing this early can always run the risk of getting someone who isn't to active, but this close I think we are all safe!
Hello all!
Had an OB appointment today and all is well. Baby is breech but since Im only 27wks 3days, we arent too worried about it...yet, lol. My placenta has moved up (yay!) and the baby is measuring at 28wks 6 days so hes doing well in there, lol. My blood pressure was a bit elevated the first time they took it so they took it again at the end of the appointment and it was more normal (still higher than my normal, but not bad). My doctor took some blood and wants to see me back in a week to take my pressure again just to be sure I dont have pre-eclampsia. She didnt seem too concerned so Im not too concerned, but Im glad she is being thorough.
I dont have a preference for a labor buddy. Im kinda new so I dont know anyone real well, but trying hoping to!
I still can't believe how close we are in the whole scheme of things! I'm waiting to hear back the results of my 3GTT...and trying to remain calm even though I'm worried. It's frustrating that family and friends think that issues with GD only connect with those who are overweight so they don't understand why I am nervous about it all. Other than that, things are good and I don't have another checkup until next month.
I'm easy going with any labor buddy as well. It sounds like many of us are so I ditto possibly picking names out of a hat. Although, it makes sense to put our EDD into consideration. With DD, we were paired with others who were about two weeks apart to lower the chance of going into labor too close to each other and defeating the purpose of a LB update on TB. Still, I'm flexible with the LB process with whatever is decided. I'm so excited we are this close to be able to discuss the issue!
EDD 1/31/13, MC May 17. EDD 3/31/13, MC July 26. I miss you so much already my angel loves
Yikes - how did I get into the single digit weeks already???? It still seems so far away!
Nothing new to report. I had a dream the other night that my water broke and I contracted fleas simultaneously.
Labor buddies sound fun, although I'm not entirely sure what the purpose is...what's the difference between updating one person and writing one post? Or is it geared toward people who post on multiple boards? Regardless, I'm down for whatever folks decide to do!
I hope everyone has a great week and that all the LOs keep cooking!
Hey everyone! Sorry I somehow missed this last week!
I assume I passed my 1ht GT, because it's been a week, and I havent heard anything. If i had failed, I assume someone would have contacted me by now. :-)
I have started on every 2 week appointments, and my next one is next week. I'm pretty psyched to see my actual doctor again- she's been on maternity leave since January.
I would love to have a labor buddy, but like others have said, I don't know anyone outside of the bump. I'd be happy to be paired with anyone though! I thought the suggestion of picking out of a hat was good.
Hope all is well with you all! I'm really enjoying feeling baby boy kicking up a storm. Although, I have to say, it's way more fun during the day than it is at 4am. ;-)
Sounds like I'll assign based on due dates then...
As far as what they are for, mostly just for updating the group when you go into labor. Petra and I have exchanged cell numbers after meeting IRL, so I would txt her and she would post.
If you won't want you LB to post, could just be someone maybe you have a couple of PM conversations with and you feel more connected to another May mommie. It's up to you... I can a labor buddy list and a flying solo list if you dont' want a buddy.
I'll post as much next week.
Positive for HLA-B27, I'm a mutant
Testing - Me ok, gluten issue? DH - borderline count, low motility
4/28/11 IUI#1 = BFP!(5/25), EDD 2/2/12 - m/c 5w3d
7/3, 7/31, 9/25 - IUI#2-4=BFN
IVF#1 - 1 blast = BFP!! (12/30), EDD 9/9/12, confirmed c/p 4w2d
FET#1 3/2/12 - 2 blasts =BFP!! EDD 11/18/12, us#1 = twins! Confirmed m/c 5w6d
4/20-surprise BFP and another c/p 4w2d
FET#2 7/16/12 - 2 blasts = BFN
FET#3 8/20/12 - 1 blast - BFP!! Beta #1-2=177, 354
1st u/s 5w6d, one beautiful little HB
baby girl born 5/10/13
TTC#2 since 12/17/2014, Cycle 8
Repeat Testing...FSH=12, AMH=3.8, AFC=28.
IUI#5 5/10/15- c/p?
IVF#2 8/19/15 - cancelled due to cysts
IVF#2 take two 10/2015 - 5 blasts frozen
FET#4 12/11/2015 - BFN - 4 blasts remaining
FET#5 2/18/16 - BFP!!! Beta1-3, 126, 250, 745!!
Tons of love and ((hugs)) to my IF sister NMscubagirl
My next OB appointment is Wednesday. Nothing much new here except for swelling & weight gain :P
QOTW: IT'S MARCH!!! This means that we are about two months from meeting our LOs!!! So it's time to start thinking about labor buddies. There are traditions, but no hard or fast rules on this. So QOTW is how would you like to go about selecting labor buddies?!?!?!
I also agree that other than taking EDD into account, I'm fine with pairing up with any May Momma since I don't know anyone IRL.
BFP #2: 08/23/12; EDD: 05/04/13 ~Please stick little one!!! DS born 05/09/13 at 40w5d
BFP #1: 05/05/12; EDD: 01/01/13; m/c: 05/21/12 ~Forever in our hearts~
I can't believe we're two months away! I am two months from tomorrow, to be precise. WOW!
Update: I had a lot of BH yesterday which worried me some. I know BH are normal right now, and I know that 4 or more an hour is cause for concern, but I was having 2 per hour for almost the whole day yesterday -- as opposed to my usual one or two per day. So the increase was definitely enough to get me feeling a little concerned. I tried to stay well hydrated in hopes that would help. Today I'm feeling fine and haven't felt a single BH yet. Next appointment is March 14 and then I start going every 2 weeks!
QOTW: Like others, I'm fine being paired with anyone, but agree that having someone not close to your due date is probably smart.
BFP #2 8/22/12 | EDD 5/5/13 | DS1 born 5/9/13
BFP #3 4/25/15 | EDD 1/7/16 | MMC 7/2/15 @ 13w1d | D&E 7/8/15
BFP #4 12/9/15 | EDD 8/22/16 | DS2 born 5/18/16 at 26w2d
Just keep swimming.
I can't believe we're getting so close! But also, looking at how big my bump is, I can't believe I'm going to be growing for another 2 1/2 months. Eep.
I had my GTT on Friday. I hope it was good! I'm starting on biweekly appointments now too, and our childbirth class starts on Wednesday.
I have been having a bit of a tough time lately because next Sunday is the first anniversary of my loss. Well, March 10 was the day my pregnancy finally completely ended, though I found out it wasn't viable almost four weeks before that. It has been more difficult than I was expecting. I'm so, so happy to be feeling this baby moving inside me, but I still miss what might have been.
BFP #2 9/5/2012 -- Born 5/20/2013 -- Welcome, rainbow baby!
BFP #1 1/24/12 -- No HB 2/16/12 -- Misoprostol 3/10/12
I had my WinRho (or RhoGam) shot last Friday. I don't have another appointment scheduled until the 21st. I was hoping I would see the doctor every 2 weeks by now but I suppose we'll make that switch after the 21st. My OB has a handheld u/s and it was actually great to see the baby at the last appointment (I have had high anxiety about every u/s until the most recent one).
As for labor buddies, I think I have to bow out. I don't have a cell phone so it would cause me some stress to try and stay in contact with my buddy and it would make it difficult for my buddy to be in contact with me. I do look forward to reading all of the updates and I will post my own update once I am home from the hospital.
BFP#2 09/11/12 beta1=72 @13dpo beta2=160 @14dpo beta3=over 6000 @24dpo U/S @7w2dd hb=146bpm U/S @8w5d hb=159bpm U/S @12w hb=164bpm
EDD 05/20/13
My Ovulation Chart
As for me, I failed my three hour so adding four more self sticks a day to my regimen.
I'd love a labor buddy too so however this thing works I'm down.
Take care ladies!!
bfp #1 10/15/2009 m/c 11/4/09 10 weeks Lily you are not forgotten
bfp #2 4/5/2010 CP, m/c 4/12/10 5 weeks Baby Lo
Diagnosed PCOS 10/10 RX 1500 mg Metformin/day
bfp#3 4/5/2011 Missed m/c discovered 5/24/2011 (10w 5d) baby Asher stopped growing at 6 weeks
I know he is playing with his siblings in heaven right now...
rx'd factor II gene mutation 7/11 prescribed 5000 units Heparin daily
rx'd Sjogren's Disease 8/11
bfp #4 9-6-2012 RAINBOW Baby Ky born 5-9-13
bfp #5 8-26-14 RAINBOW #2 Due 5-8-2015
QOTW: IT'S MARCH!!! This means that we are about two months from meeting our LOs!!! So it's time to start thinking about labor buddies. There are traditions, but no hard or fast rules on this. So QOTW is how would you like to go about selecting labor buddies?!?!?!
I'm game for a labor buddy!
I also don't have a cell phone. I'm always on my iPad using email and Etc. I
I've been MIA for a few days and I've really missed all you guys! Nola, so happy to hear you passed the GTT. Must be such a relief!
Any updates or appointments coming up that you'd like to share? I have an appointment coming up on Monday. Last visit was for the Rhogam shot a week and a half ago.
QOTW: IT'S MARCH!!! This means that we are about two months from meeting our LOs!!! So it's time to start thinking about labor buddies. There are traditions, but no hard or fast rules on this. So QOTW is how would you like to go about selecting labor buddies?!?!?!
First of all, TWO MONTHS!! Holy crapballs. I'm going into panic mode for reals. I'm absolutely down for a labor buddy and agree with the consensus about EDD. Rachel Goldstein and I text a lot but I didn't see her post on this thread so I'm not sure she wants me to act or answer on her behalf here.
Hope everyone's having a great week!